PHILADELPHIA (AP) — From Maine to Texas, dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern U.S. are now on strike for the first time in decades. And the work stoppage could snarl supply chains — leading to shortages and higher prices if it stretches on for more than a few weeks.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — From Maine to Texas, dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern United States are on strike for the first time in decades, a work stoppage that could snarl supply chains and cause shortages and higher prices if it stretches on for more than a few weeks.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas could shut down if a union representing about 45,000 dockworkers carries through with a threatened strike early Tuesday.

A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases as the holiday shopping season approaches.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977. A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at big and small retailers alike as the holiday shopping season —

A dockworkers strike that has idled more than a dozen of the largest ports across the Eastern US threatens to reignite food inflation in the coming weeks, and could create a shortage of toys and Christmas trees just as the holiday season gets underway.